February Health Tip

Heart Disease in Women

Yi Hong Ling, Pharm.D. Candidate
Adriana Valdes, Pharm.D. Candidate
Preceptor: Nancy Borja, Pharm.D.

Since February is considered National Heart Month, it is appropriate to discuss heart disease prevention in women.  Heart disease is the leading cause of death among women in the United States.  One woman dies unnecessarily almost every minute from heart disease.  Women are about 5 times more likely to die of heart disease than from breast cancer, and it is responsible for more deaths than all type of cancers combined in women greater than 65 years old.

As scary as these statistics appear, heart disease is preventable.   It requires that women take an active role in becoming aware of their risk factors in order to avoid the progression to heart disease.  There are some risk factors that you cannot control such as race, age, genetics, and history of heart disease.  However, there are a number of risk factors that can be modified, treated or controlled by focusing on lifestyle modifications and medications.

Lifestyle modifications recommended by the American Heart Association include:

1. Smoking cessation and avoidance of secondhand smoke
2. Physical activity for at least 30 minutes every day
3. Initiating a cardiac rehabilitation program if you have recently been hospitalized or had a procedure related to heart disease
4. Eating a heart-healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, low-fat or non-fat dairy products, grains, fish, and other sources of lean protein
5. Limiting or avoiding the intake of trans-fatty acids
6. Balancing the calories you eat with the amount you use in a day
7. Consulting a dietitian for further information and assistance
8. Limiting the alcohol intake to less than one drink per day since excessive drinking can contribute to obesity, high triglycerides, cancer, heart failure and stroke
9. Learning to cope with stress through relaxation methods since the body’s reaction to high levels of stress causes increases in blood pressure, and outpouring of adrenaline, and other changes. 

Risk factors that require the assistance of a health care professional include:

1. High Blood Pressure: Maintain a blood pressure goal of  >120/80 mm Hg; If  >140/90 mm Hg consider lifestyle modifications and drug therapy
2. High Cholesterol Levels: Keep cholesterol levels within the optimal range; total cholesterol <200mg/dl, LDL <100mg/dl, HDL >50mg/dl and triglycerides <150mg/dl
3. High Glucose Levels: Maintain a HbA1C goal of < 7%

The following products should not be used to prevent heart disease since current research has shown no added benefit:

1. Combined postmenopausal hormone therapy (in some women it may cause heart attacks, stroke, or blood clots)
2. Antioxidant supplements such as Vitamin E and beta carotene (these supplements can interfere with the beneficial effects of statin therapy)
3. Aspirin for low-risk patients is not recommended (can cause stomach bleeding or ulcers)

Heart disease may be the leading cause of death among women; however prevention and awareness can change it.  There are many risk factors such as race, age and family history that are beyond our control.  By integrating lifestyle modifications into our lives, we can potentially decrease our chances of getting heart disease.  Finally taking a proactive stance against heart disease, women can live healthier and longer lives.       

Reference:
American Heart Association Web site.  Available at: http://www.americanheart.com.  Accessed January 17, 2007.

Mosca L.  Heart Disease Prevention in Women.  Circulation 2004; 109:158-160